Essential commodity prices rise in Kishoreganj

Essential commodity prices have drastically surged across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Adha due to supply shortages and recent rainfall, consumers facing severe hardship as the prices of rice, eggs, oil, vegetables, and spices continue to go up.

Although there is no shortage of products in the markets, prices are rising gradually due to alleged manipulation by business syndicates.

Sobahan Miah, a customer shopping at Bara Bazar ahead of Eid, said, “Consumers never get relief in the kitchen markets.

Prices of goods increase abnormally during different times of the year under various excuses.

Unscrupulous traders raise prices and exploit buyers.”

He added, “From Ramadan to Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, traders become desperate to make excessive profits. During every religious festival, consumers are cheated through unjustified price hikes.”

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mizabe Rahmat told The New Nation that the administration has continued monitoring markets ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

“The administration is strictly monitoring kitchen markets, and legal action is being taken against any irregularities found,” he added.

Prices at a glance In Kishoreganj’s kitchen markets, the price of polao rice has already increased by Tk 15 to Tk 20 per kilogram.

Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 175 per kg despite a normal supply, while beef is selling for Tk 800 to Tk 850 per kg.

The edible oil market also remains unstable. In addition, the prices of milk, sugar, semai, raisins, and other spices have increased significantly.

Consumers are struggling to cope with the rising costs while preparing for Eid-ul-Adha, as business syndicates are allegedly using various tactics to maximize profits.

During visits to Bara Bazar, Kachari Bazar, and Puranthana Bazar on Saturday, it was found that polao rice was selling at Tk 150 to Tk 160 per kg, depending on quality, compared to Tk 130 two months ago.

Moong dal was being sold at up to Tk 170 per kg, while it was priced between Tk 150 and Tk 155 two months earlier. Sugar was selling at Tk 110 per kg, up from Tk 100.

Cardamom was being sold at Tk 4,700 per kg in the retail market, compared to Tk 4,200 to Tk 4,300 previously.

Meanwhile, goat meat was selling at Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,300 per kg. The price of plums has also risen sharply to Tk 1,200 per kg from Tk 500 two months ago.